Following on
from B&W's highly acclaimed and successful 100 Series, the DM550 digital
monitor takes full advantage of a whole new generation of design technology to
produce improved performance with a higher frequency range and lower
colouration. With its
aesthetically pleasing styling, your DM550 is designed to anticipate individual
preferences and match all types of environment.
System
parameters for the B&W 500 Series have been optimised by the extensive use
of computer aided design to ensure efficient and extended low frequency
performance. To achieve the goal of flatter response curves and lower
colouration, totally new drive unis have been designed - benefiting from the
use of finite element predictions of cone behaviour and laser interferometer
assessment of prototypes. Quite deliberately, the B&W 500 Series of
loudspeakers are described as digital monitors. They have been designed for the
age of the compact disc, with all the additional requirements that this
material places on the loudspeaker system - such as increased dynamic range,
increased transient information, lower noise floor, etc. B&W DM550 is however,
just as much at home with good analogue material and essentially will
faithfully reproduce whaatever signals are fed to it.
Stand-mount/Bookshelf
loudspeaker system
The tailored two-way closed box design incorporates a 6" bass/midrange driver with a large magnet assembly thrusting high pressure
sound reproduced to precise limits dictated by the dimensions of small enclosure.
A one piece moulding has been used to strengthen the cabinet
rigidity between drivers and front
baffle. The metal-domed high frequency unit dictated by CAD allows the simplest
of crossovers to be used. All of
which increases cost-effectiveness without impairing linearity.
Technical
highlights
B&W's Tweeter technology ensures that the sound remains focused
and time sensitive and that the
stereo image is presented with unparalleled three dimensional accuracy.
The cabinets feature a specially designed high density front baffle
which achieves almost Matrix-like
stability in strengthening overall enclosure construction. The bevel edges of
the front moulding reduce
diffraction and improve dispersion.
The crossover components use heavy gauge wire throughout and new
drivers guarantee not only high
reliability but ensure that top specifications are met
The design
brief for DM550 called for a small and cost-effective loudspeaker that could be
incorporated unobtrusively into the home, while still possessing the linearity
and bass extension of true monitor system.
The drive
units
The two-unit
closed box alignment chosen for DM550 employs a specially designed 160 mm
(6") bass driver, with 26 mm (1") high temperature voice coil. This
enables a simple crossover to be employed which not only increases cost
effectiveness but retains system linearity.
The new
metal-domed tweeter uses the same diaphragm as the highly acclaimed Matrix 801
Series 2, and gives true piston behaviour up to frequencies in excess of 20
kHz. And like all B&W components, it's B&W made.
The
enclosure
The
expertise B&W have gained with cabinet technolgy following the invention of
the B&W Matrixx Series has enabled us to reduce unwanted cabinet vibration.
In the case of the 500 Series our
attention has been focused on the front baffle construction, and we make full
use of modern structural plastics, to both strengthen and enhance the
appearance.
The
crossover
Sophisticated
computer technology has enabled B&W
to optimise each component in the crossover network at the design stage.
Every production sample is also computer-tested to close tolerance, ensuring
that each loudspeaker faithfully reproduces the original design specifications.
Overload
protection
A 2-amp
quick-blow fuse protects the system against excessive input of normal musical
signals. However, certain abnormal signals, particularly those containing only
high frequencies, could damage the tweeter. The usual precautions, such as
turning off the amplifier before connections are made, should be observed. The
fuse is located in the rear of the cabinet.
Specifications
Frequency
Range: 56 Hz to 30 kHz (-6 dB points)
Bass
Loading: Second-order closed box
alignment
Frequency
Response: 75 Hz – 20 kHz, ±2,5 dB on reference axis
Dispersion: 20 Hz to 15 kHz
Vertical
: ±2 dB over 10° arc
Horizontal
: ±2 dB over 40° arc
Sensitivity: 87 dB (2,83 V/ 1 m)
Distortion
(For 90 dB at 1 m)
Second
Harmonic :
Less than 3%
at 20 Hz to 200 Hz
Less than 1%
at 200 Hz to 20 kHz
Third
Harmonic:
Less than 2%
at 20 Hz to 200 Hz
Less than 1%
at 200 Hz to 20 kHz
Impedance:
Nominal 8 Ω (not faling below 4 Ω)
Crossover: third-order acoustic response low-pass and
high-pass
Drive Units:
1 x
26mm high-frequency with aluminium
dome, One 26mm coil on aluminium
former, wound with polymide resin
and heat cured
1 x
160mm bass/midrange with composite
short fibre, 26mm coil on high
temperature former, wound with polymide
resin and heat cured
Power
Handling: Suitable for amplifiers with
10 W to 75 W output
Dimensions
(H x W x D): 352 x 204 x 243 mm
(13-7/8" x 8" x 9-1/2")
Weight: 5,5 kg
(12 lbs)
Cabinet
Finish: Simulated veneers of walnut or
black ash